That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to use a current email address when you apply, and to keep an eye on your inbox (including your junk folder!) during this time.<\/p>\n
Behind the scenes: The allocation process<\/h3>\n
While you wait, the Accommodation Team is busy behind the scenes, working to allocate more than 5,000 rooms across campus. It\u2019s a complex process designed to match students with the best possible accommodation based on their preferences, eligibility, and application date.<\/p>\n
Want to know more about how it all works? Keep reading – we\u2019re taking you behind the scenes.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-thumb.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Why applying early for accommodation matters<\/h3>\n
When it comes to securing your preferred student accommodation, timing is everything. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to be allocated your first or second choice.<\/p>\n
Our allocation system works by placing students into the highest available preference, starting with those who hold unconditional offers and applied the earliest. So, submitting your application early gives you a better chance of getting the room you really want.<\/p>\n
Changed your mind later on?<\/strong> If your first preference is full, the system will automatically try your second choice. If that\u2019s also full, it will move on to your third and fourth preferences.<\/p>\n Importantly, the system only allocates you to accommodation that\u2019s suitable for your student type. For example, if you’re an undergraduate and select Woolf College Studios (which are reserved for postgraduates or students with specific medical needs), the system will skip this option and move to the next valid one.<\/p>\n After the bulk of allocations are made, our Accommodation Team carries out a final review to ensure everything is in order and to take into account the considerations listed below.<\/p>\n Some residences are in high demand and can become oversubscribed. While we do our best to allocate you to one of your chosen preferences, this isn\u2019t always possible.<\/p>\n To reduce the chance of missing out, apply as early as you can and consider choosing preferences spread across different campus locations.\u00a0If none of your selected preferences are available, don\u2019t worry – we\u2019ll use the information you provided in your application form to place you in the next most suitable available residence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When allocating rooms, we take several factors into account to help ensure every student has the best possible living experience.<\/p>\n Our goal is to accommodate all new first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students on campus, including those applying through Clearing. Wherever possible, we house first-year undergraduates, returning students, and postgraduates in separate flats or blocks. This helps new students settle in and make friends more easily by sharing space with others who are also new to university life.<\/p>\n We are committed to building an inclusive, welcoming community. We aim to mix genders and nationalities within flats, depending on demand and availability, to encourage a diverse and open environment.<\/p>\n Note: We do not allocate based on ethnicity. Our system and team do not have access to that information.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ll be under 18 when you start at Kent, we prioritise your accommodation needs. Whether you prefer an en-suite, a meal plan, or single-gender housing, we\u2019ll do our best to match your preferences.<\/p>\n We support students with medical conditions by offering accommodation that suits those requirements. Be sure to include relevant details in the ‘additional notes’ section of your application. If you have questions before applying, our Accommodation Team is here to help, and you can find more information and support on our Accessible Accommodation<\/a> page, including links to the Student Support and Wellbeing team.<\/p>\n Students often tell us they feel more comfortable living with others of a similar age, especially in their first year. So, where possible, we group students of similar ages together, depending on demand.<\/p>\n Have something specific in mind? We do our best to accommodate:<\/p>\n Requests to live with friends (make sure everyone lists each other’s names and applicant IDs!)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Extra-long beds<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Single-gender flats<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Moderate living accommodation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Just include any special requests in the ‘additional notes’ section of your application. While we can’t guarantee everything, we\u2019ll always try our best, based on availability and demand.<\/p>\n We want every student to feel at home. That\u2019s why we consider all these factors when allocating rooms. However, due to high demand and limited availability, not all requests can be met.<\/p>\n The best way to maximise your chances of securing one of your top accommodation preferences? <\/strong>Apply as early as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n When it\u2019s time to send out accommodation offers, we do so in small batches. This helps our team and system manage queries efficiently and allows us to quickly reallocate any declined or changed offers. By doing this, we maximise the number of students who receive their first or second choice of accommodation.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re offered a room that doesn\u2019t suit you, don\u2019t decline it right away<\/strong> – give us a call first<\/a>. We may be able to arrange a room move, and declining your offer outright will remove your application from the system<\/strong>. If that happens and you still want to live on campus, you\u2019ll need to contact us<\/a> to reactivate your application.<\/p>\n Once you’ve accepted your offer, it’s time to start preparing for move-in day! We’ll keep you updated by email and through our Arrivals<\/strong> webpages<\/a>, so you\u2019ll know exactly what to do before you arrive.<\/p>\n If you have any questions about your accommodation, just get in touch<\/a> – we’re here to help.<\/p>\n We can\u2019t wait to welcome you to campus!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
No problem. If you log back into your account<\/a> to update your accommodation preferences, your original application date will still be used for allocation purposes, so updating your choices won\u2019t disadvantage you.<\/p>\nHow the allocation process works<\/h3>\n
Final checks<\/h3>\n
What happens if you don\u2019t get one of your preferences?<\/h3>\n
![\"Turing](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2022\/05\/Turing-ex-large-en-suite-bedroom-web.jpg\")
How we allocate accommodation: What we consider<\/h3>\n
Priority for on-campus living<\/h4>\n
If you’re not eligible for our guaranteed room offer,<\/a> your application will still be considered once you have an unconditional firm offer<\/strong> to study at Kent. However, your room allocation will be subject to availability.<\/p>\nWho you\u2019ll be living with<\/h4>\n
Diversity and inclusion<\/h4>\n
\n
Under 18s<\/h4>\n
Medical needs<\/h4>\n
Allocating by age<\/h4>\n
Special requests<\/h4>\n
\n
Apply early for the best chance<\/h3>\n
![\"Father](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2022\/05\/pw-arrivals-22-web.jpg\")
What happens next?<\/h3>\n